System and method for fastening protective barriers adapted to be compatible with solar panel systems

Abstract

A system and method for fastening protective barriers to solar panel systems includes a fastener system including a main clip that is coupled to a support clip and a wireform splice. The main clip and support clip of the fastener system are adapted to engage with a solar panel frame. Once engaged with the panel frame, a barrier, such as wire mesh, is placed adjacent to a front face of the main clip and the wireform splice may be coupled to the main clip and engaged with the barrier. The splice is used to secure the barrier to the faceplate. In one embodiment, the fastening devices may be placed in a spaced arrangement, and the barrier is coupled to each fastening device along the continuous run. In this way, a single section of barrier may be secured to the solar panel array system.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 63 / 159,495, filed Mar. 11, 2021 entitled “System and Method for Fastening Protective Barrier to Solar Panels”, the entirety of the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH[0002]N / aNAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT[0003]N / aREFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM[0004]N / aBACKGROUND1. Field of the Invention[0005]The present generally relates to a fastening device and method for installing a protective barrier around a solar panel system.2. Description of Related Art[0006]Residential and commercial rooftop solar photovoltaic (“PV”) systems are becoming more prevalent worldwide as an economic solution to decrease carbon emissions while saving money on the owner's electricity bill. A common method to attach solar panels to a roof is to mount the solar panels to an aluminum ra...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a fastening device that can easily install and remove protective barriers around solar panel systems. It is designed to accommodate the varying shapes and configurations of existing solar panel systems without the need for time-consuming and flawed procedures or materials. The device is quick and easy to install and remove, and it can be installed under any weather conditions. It is also aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, the fastening devices can be used countless times as opposed to the single-use devices that currently exist.

Problems solved by technology

That is, the mounting method results in a gap between the bottom of the solar module and the roof surface.

Rodents and birds have found their way under the gap between the solar panels and the roof surface, which creates a problem for the owner of the solar panels because the rodents, birds, and other nuisances may damage the PV systems or diminish the aesthetics.

For example, pigeons nest under solar arrays in urban areas creating noise issues, a huge mess and potential damage to the roofing material and electrical systems.

These rodents and birds often chew or peck wires and create fire hazards for the buildings as well as decrease solar production.

For example, damage to the wiring or other components of the PV system may result in a ground fault (i.e., chewed wires arc to ground), which eliminates the solar production entirely.

This loss of production requires costly repairs.

There are any number of problems that may be caused by birds, rodents, or other creatures and / or elements that find their way under this gap between the solar PV system and the roof.

There are numerous problems and challenges with attempted solutions related to the securing of the mesh to the panels to enclose the array perimeter.

Additionally, there are problems when trying to splice lengths of mesh together.

Moreover, the panel frames on which solar PV systems are often installed come in a variety of shapes, configurations, and sizes, and thus connecting to the varying geometries of the panel frame itself creates a challenge.

For these reasons and others that would be understood by a person skilled in the art, it has proven difficult to achieve a universal, durable, easy-to-install and aesthetically appealing fastening component to secure a barrier, such as mesh, around the gap between the PV system and the roof.

Drilling into the panel is problematic as it voids the panel's warranty.

Drilling into the roof is problematic because the installer risks creating leaks and allowing water damage to the roof and structure.

Conventional methods are deficient in that there is no clear and obvious method in which to prepare the mesh to be fastened.

Installers may leave mesh only supported by the fastener which results in a final product with various weak points (ie, gaps above and below the mesh).

Still other deficiencies are that the conventional fasteners may be weak (i.e., cannot support much weight, too malleable, and loosens over time) and may be single use only.

The installer must manually break the bottom piece to fit the desired gap between the roof and solar array, which results in wasted material.

Still another deficiency is the installation may be a cumbersome process.

Again flaws exist in that the material itself is extremely rigid which prohibits flexibility when trying to retrofit onto complex array perimeters of varying geometric shapes and sizes.

This adds significantly to installation time which results in a higher price.

An additional problem with this attempted solution is the product prevents airflow thereby increasing temperatures in the space under the solar panel.

Rising temperature drops voltage which decreases the efficiency of the solar panel.

This results in less solar production and undermines the customer's return on investment (i.e., the amount of money saved in electricity from installing solar panels).

This provides a setback that may protect the barrier from damage caused by weather conditions such as rain, snow, and / or ice formation.

Alternatively, the wire mesh may be installed in longer, uncut lengths, though this is much more difficult.

Other obstacles may include solar racking components, roof venting, conduit, and / or wire bundles.

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